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editor's note

Tanya Chaitanya (Editor Femina India)

For every doubting Thomas who tells you women can’t scale mountains, wrestle in the ring, endure physical hardship, your comeback should be a simple hashtag:#StandStrong.
There’s no bigger retaliation than success, they say. So show your calibre to these detractors or anybody who believes that we, as women, lack the potential to be physically as fit as men by being just that. Not to say that it will be an easy process.
The conditioning that we are not at par physically starts early. From the time we are offered a hand to bring down the cookie jar to when we are told not to lift too heavy a weight; when the sports selectors in schools bypass promising girl children or when the male friends refuse to count us in in any serious hiking plans—that feeling of being physically less is ingrained right from the beginning.
So how is it that we witness sportswomen like Mary Kom packing a punch in the arena or a badminton champ like PV Sindhu physically pushing herself to the limits? Or the fact that celebs like Jacqueline Fernandez, Taapsee Pannu, Katrina Kaif swear by their fitness routine and are known to train for longer hours than their male counterparts?
Then again look beyond these superwomen. Look around you. There are regular women storming into male bastions, physically-challenging professions and pursuits, and coming out triumphant. This new-found confidence comes with taking care of yourself, being cognizant of the fact that our body needs to be given TLC, from the right diet and nutrition to exercise and care to help us stand strong.
This is when I raise a toast: Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them!

Different types of sex you should know about

Throughout your life, the kind of sex you have depends a lot on your age. In your 20s, for instance, you will probably have a lot of fumbling sex because you don't have as much experience. And when you have had sex a few times, you’ll move on to having sex that is fun, exciting and carefree. In your 30s, the type of sex you have will depend on your priorities. That’s not to say that your sex life will get boring, but yes, you may have to work a little with your partner on keeping the spark alive. In your 30s, sex will be about connecting with your partner, comforting each other, or to make babies.

Different types of sex to experience in your 20s, 30s and 40s

Types of sex in your 20s

Think back on your 20s and you'll remember a time that was exciting and carefree. Your 20s are a decade where you go on a journey of self-discovery, exploring your likes and dislikes along the way. You also tend to explore the sensual side of you, and are big on sexual adventures. Here are the five types of sex you may have had, or will have, in your 20s.

The 'it's complicated’ sex

Sometimes, it just so happens that you like someone and that person likes you back, but it never goes the way you expected or wanted. You chat all day, hang out together, even end up having sex, but that's about it. Neither of you talk about a relationship nor dating. And your kinda-sorta relationship quickly takes the status of 'it's complicated'.

Make up sex

This is the kind of sex that has the potential to be extremely hot, and most couples in their 20s have had it at some point or another. You get into a fight and tend to 'solve' the fight by getting naked. Yes, sex after a fight can be amazing, but also remember that it can confuse the both of you, and sometimes even lead to a breakup or unresolved issues.

Bad, bad sex

We say bad twice because the sex was so blah that even thinking about it makes you upset. It does nothing for you, you lose your self-esteem in the process, and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Not only can you forget about an orgasm, but the sex is also exceptionally awkward and you wonder why you did it in the first place.

Drunken sex

Raise your hands if you’ve ever had drunken sex! Yes, for many of us, our 20s were about getting wasted and having fun. Many of us have had drunk sex, and the hangover and feeling of guilt in the morning are something we wouldn’t want to repeat. Not to forget the stress of unwanted pregnancy or maybe having contracted an STD is quite humongous.

The can't-get-better-than-this sex

Then comes a day when you finally have the kind of sex that you will remember and cherish for life. You start believing that this was it; sex cannot get better than this. You ride wave after wave of passion and orgasms and rainbows and stars, and when it’s all done, you feel calm and content.

Types of sex in your 30s

The 30s are when you're kind of sort of settled in life—be it in your job or in your marriage. You're more self-assured of yourself and you are quite clear of what you want from life. You've had some experience in the bedroom department, too, which makes you aware about the things you want in your sex life. Keeping this in mind, here are the five types of sex you may have in your 30s.

The 'I'm-bored-let's-make-love' sex

All you need is an excuse to get down and dirty with your partner. You have sex when you have nothing else to do, when you're just lying in bed trying to fall asleep, and of course, when you’re bored and want some entertainment. Sex is your solution to everything and you want to do it whenever and wherever you can.

Leisurely morning sex

Most people in their 30s live fulltime with their partners/spouses, which make them more accessible. There's no need to sneak around in hotels and public bathrooms to get it on with each other. This also makes delightful morning sex possible. Your partner is right there sleeping next to you, and all you have to do is wake him up for a morning tumble.

The lets-make-a-baby sex

The 30s are when many couples start planning a family. Baby-making sex is just that—having sex mainly with the aim of getting pregnant. Condoms are forgotten and birth control pills are stopped. Doctors may even suggest certain positions that help conceive faster, and so more often than not, you tend to have sex in those positions.

Post-baby sex

This is the type of sex that couples have, in many cases, after a long hiatus. Women are just trying to get over their baby weight, and may not be completely comfortable with their new bodies. So this type of sex is about rediscovering each other's bodies and exploring sensations you thought you had forgotten.

The second honeymoon sex

You've had a baby and you've settled down in an easy routine. Then you decide to take a trip, just the two of you. This is your second honeymoon, far away from your family and kids. It's exciting and refreshing, and it feels just like the first time you had sex with each other. You might experience this type of sex in your late 30s, and it will bring you so much closer to each other.

Types of sex in your 40s

Your 40s are when you're older, wiser and calmer. Your sex drive may ebb and flow and most of the time, you're content just being in the company of your partner. But that doesn't mean that you stop having sex altogether. It just becomes less of a priority for you. Sex in your 40s, however, is sweet, unhurried and tender, which makes it something to look forward to. These are the types of sex you may have in your 40s.

The sexual reawakening sex

Sex doesn't stay the same throughout your life. Sometimes, you want nothing to do with it, other times, your sex drive is insatiable. Your 40s are when you don't compulsorily have to have sex to be the cool couple who can't keep their hands off each other. You also tend to discover new things you like, and are more open to experimenting in bed. This type of sex is all about being yourself, and at the same time trying out new things.

Comfortable, familiar sex

This is the type of sex you will most probably have with your partner or spouse. You've had sex with them several times before, and you know exactly what they like. They know what you like in bed too, which makes it even more special. The most important thing is, you have come to understand your own body better, and are surer of it than ever before. The lovemaking is familiar and you have set your own rhythm leaves no room for awkwardness or inhibitions.

The kids-are-away sex

The kids are away at school/college/a friend’s place and you finally have the house to yourself. What do you do with all the time you have alone with your partner? You have sex, of course! This type of sex makes you revisit times gone by, when it was just you and your partner and reminisce about all the times when you could have no-holds-barred sex all the time.

Lazy Sunday afternoon sex

You'll probably have this type of sex when you're just lazing around in bed with your partner and you inevitably end up having sex. There's not too much thought behind it, and it's almost on autopilot, but it's still sweet and relaxing. And after you're done, you don't feel the need to clean up and just take a nap in each other's arms.

Gentle, soothing sex

You're feeling particularly down and out, or the kids are driving you up the wall and you just need to vent. This is where soothing sex comes into the picture. Your partner understands that you need to calm down and relax, so he/she appeases you with some gentle lovemaking that instantly works wonders. This kind of sex says that you’re a wonderful human being and that your partner will always be with you.